## Great Plains

The Great Plains, sometimes simply referred to as the Plains, is the broad expanse of flatland that stretches across the central portion of North America, extending from the Canadian provinces in the north to the southern United States. This vast geographical area, covering approximately 500,000 square miles, is the largest plain in the United States and is characterized by its seemingly endless terrain mostly devoid of hills or mountains.

### Geography

The Great Plains lie between the Mississippi River and the Rocky Mountains, spanning parts of multiple U.S. states including Texas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kansas, Colorado, Nebraska, Wyoming, Montana, South Dakota, and North Dakota. The Canadian provinces of Alberta, Manitoba, and Saskatchewan also share part of this extensive plain.

The region varies in elevation from roughly 1,800 feet in the east to over 6,000 feet at the foot of the Rockies. Notably flat in general appearance, the actual topography includes rolling hills, valleys, and occasional buttes and badlands which contribute to its unique and diverse ecosystem.

### Climate

The climate of the Great Plains can be described as continental, experiencing temperature extremes with hot summers and cold winters. Precipitation varies significantly across the plains, with the eastern parts receiving about 20 inches of rainfall annually, while the western areas receive less than 10 inches, leading to semi-arid and arid conditions. This variation in precipitation has historically influenced the use of land from dense agricultural utilization in the east to more sparse ranching bases in the drier west.

### Flora and Fauna

The ecological diversity of the Great Plains supports a wide variety of plant and animal life. Historically, the vast grasslands were home to millions of American bison, which roamed the prairies in large herds. Other species that inhabit the plains include pronghorns, deer, wolves, and myriad bird species like the grouse and the bald eagle.

The predominant vegetation includes grasses which are well adapted to the extremes of the climate, with tallgrass prairies in the east, transitioning to mixed and then shortgrass prairies as one moves westward. This gradation is due largely to the decreasing amount of rainfall.

### Human Impact and Conservation

Human activity has significantly reshaped the Great Plains over time. The arrival of European settlers in the 19th century led to intensive agriculture and the near extinction of the American bison. Practices such as deep plowing of the virgin topsoil and unsustainable agricultural methods led to the Dust Bowl in the 1930s—a severe environmental disaster causing massive dust storms that severely affected the economy and agriculture of the US.

Today, there is a growing recognition of the need to preserve what remains of the original Great Plains ecosystem. Efforts are ongoing to conserve the natural habitats, especially the remaining grasslands and the species that rely on them. Numerous national parks, reserves, and grassland conservation projects have been established to protect the unique biodiversity of the region.

### Economic Importance

Agriculture remains a dominant sector in the economy of the Great Plains, with significant outputs of wheat, corn, and cattle. Additionally, the region has increasingly been tapped for its renewable energy potential, particularly wind energy, due to the vast open spaces and consistent wind speeds.

In conclusion, the Great Plains of North America represents one of the most iconic landscapes of the United States, defining much of the country's physical character in the central regions. Its expanse, combined with its cultural history and economic significance, make the Great Plains a vital and dynamic part of North American geography.